Cybersecurity Jobs Las Vegas: 7 Entry-Level Roles to Start Your Career

Cybersecurity is a growing field as more companies invest money in their cybersecurity operations. In fact, a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey of more than 3,800 companies found that 79 percent plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2024 [1].

Additionally, the industry needs workers who understand cybersecurity. According to the Cybersecurity Jobs Report by Cybersecurity Ventures [2], an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs will exist in 2025.

Learn what jobs are in demand in the field of cybersecurity in Las Vegas to get more information about pursuing a cybersecurity career in the city.

Why pursue a cybersecurity career in Las Vegas?

A cybersecurity career in Las Vegas is worth pursuing because the field is growing for many reasons, including the use of cloud services that increase the chances of attacks and a rise in cybercrimes.

Due to its hospitality and gambling industries, Las Vegas is particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. In September 2023, a cyberattack on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment caused issues at hotels such as Bellagio and Mandalay Bay. Guests reported issues with check-in, nonfunctional hotel key cards, and dark video slot machines on casino floors.

It took about 10 days and more than $100 million in losses before MGM Resorts could resume normal operations [3]. Cybersecurity experts believed Caesars Entertainment likely avoided the same fate by paying the hackers.

These cyberattacks can seriously impact a city where about 26 percent of its non-farm employees—or nearly 300,000 people—work in the leisure and hospitality industries, based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [4].

7 entry-level cybersecurity jobs in Las Vegas

Cybersecurity positions are gaining popularity, and it’s important to have experience in computer fundamentals, such as programming, system administration, and cloud computing skills, before applying for a job. Discover entry-level cybersecurity jobs to consider when pursuing a career in Las Vegas.

1. Cybersecurity analyst

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $93,377 [5]

A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for understanding and monitoring the IT infrastructure of a company or organization. You’ll also look for potential cybersecurity threats to systems and find proactive ways to prevent possible attacks.

You usually need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a computer-related field. Other important skills include understanding information technology and trends in the field, being detail-oriented, and having strong communication skills.

2. Information security analyst

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $94,166 [6]

An information security analyst designs and executes security systems for information technology. You may be responsible for installing security software or monitoring networks for security issues, such as those faced by Las Vegas hotels in 2023.

Before getting a job as an information security analyst, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and several years of information security experience.

3. IT auditor

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $73,550 [7]

IT auditors help organizations with internal controls to protect data and other information. You might work on tech issues that arise or recommend possible fixes to issues with internal controls.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a year or more of experience in the field. The position may also require a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification to show you understand the field and the issues you may face in the position.

4. Penetration tester

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $90,528 [8]

A penetration tester analyzes the cybersecurity policies implemented by a company, agency, or organization. You may be responsible for performing cyber attacks on computer systems to see how they can hold up or if you can find any vulnerabilities to address.

You usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and experience demonstrating your knowledge of cybersecurity and operating systems.

5. Digital forensic investigator

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $81,947 [9]

Digital forensic investigators use different tactics to recover data from electronic devices like computers and smartphones. You may be responsible for collecting data for legal proceedings involving government agencies and law enforcement, or a private organization could hire you to review information.

A digital forensic investigator usually needs at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Several years of professional experience in computer science is also helpful before moving on to computer forensic positions.

6. Network security administrator

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $86,584 [10]

A network security administrator manages an organization’s network and institutes and implements plans to protect systems. Responsibilities include reviewing an organization’s needs, finding ways to protect the network, and adding and maintaining security features.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science and previous work experience with various types of hardware and software.

7. Cybersecurity engineer

Average annual salary in Las Vegas (Glassdoor): $107,729 [11]

Cybersecurity engineers design and build systems and tools to protect electronic information from security breaches and other issues. You may find ways to test system security or help others handle potential security issues.

To become a cybersecurity engineer, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and previous work experience is also important.

How to gain the skills for cybersecurity jobs in Las Vegas

Explore the cybersecurity skills and experience you need to apply for jobs in Las Vegas.

Education

You’ll want to consider pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field since many positions require an associate or bachelor’s degree. Some positions may expect at least a master’s degree, depending on the tasks you need to perform.

Work experience

Work experience is also an important factor in obtaining a cybersecurity position. You may need previous experience working in computer science or a related field for multiple years. It also helps to have experience that pertains explicitly to cybersecurity tasks, even if your previous positions were not in the field.

Boot camps

Cybersecurity boot camps are intensive education programs covering foundational knowledge and practical training to help you get acquainted with the field. You can choose from different boot camp options, such as an in-person program, a fully online program, or a hybrid program with both in-person and online coursework. It’s important to review different programs to find one that’s right for you and fits your particular needs to gain cybersecurity skills.

Certifications

Also consider obtaining certifications, which can be important to landing a cybersecurity job. Employers want to see if you have earned certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or others, to demonstrate your understanding of and experience in cybersecurity.

Getting started with Coursera

As you consider cybersecurity jobs in Las Vegas, courses, Professional Certificates, and degree programs on Coursera can help you pursue your career or learn more about the field.

Consider obtaining the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. The program teaches you the core skills you need in the cybersecurity field and the tools used by cybersecurity analysts.

You can also learn more about Cybersecurity Job Search and Interviews: Getting Started with the University System of Georgia on Coursera. Learn about resources for a cybersecurity job and different roles within an organization’s cybersecurity efforts.